Cigarette closure device and method

ABSTRACT

It is the object of the present invention to reduce the amount of labor that is required for distal closure of a cigarette or joint by providing a device and related method for folding and dimpling the distal tip of a joint through single actuation.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The overall field of invention is devices and methods for production of pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes.

BACKGROUND

Marijuana cigarettes, commonly known as joints, are a traditional means for smoking marijuana. As marijuana use has progressively been legalized and normalized, pre-rolled joints have gained significant popularity as a means for distribution and consumption of marijuana.

A joint, like any cigarette, is formed through a process by which the smoking material, in this case marijuana, is encased in a tube of paper known as rolling paper. The joint will have a distal end that is lit to burn, and a proximal end, through which a user will draw smoke. Various characteristics of the rolling paper and smoking material will affect a joint's physical integrity, how joint burns, and a user's smoking experience.

A typical tobacco cigarette is formed of shredded tobacco that is tightly packed. This tight packing is necessary to produce desirable burning and smoking characteristics. Specifically, tightly packed tobacco will burn in a uniform manner while still allowing free passage of smoke through its volume. Therefore, a smoker may draw smoke through a tightly packed tobacco cigarette with little effort. Shredded tobacco tends to be coherent, in that the shreds tend to intertwine to some degree, therefore causing the shredded tobacco to clump together. Tightly-packed shredded tobacco tends to remain coherent, and as a result, a typical cigarette may be formed to be open at the distal end, such that the smoking material, tobacco, is not encased, but rather, is open to the environment at the distal end.

Marijuana exhibits different physical and combustion characteristics than tobacco, as well as varying significantly from specimen to specimen. Marijuana, as prepared for a joint, is generally ground into granules, as opposed to the shreds typical of tobacco. Marijuana granules are not typically coherent. Furthermore, the optimal tightness of a joint's packing will depend on the physical characteristics of the marijuana specimen being used, and may range from loose to tight. Loose packing tends to promote uneven burning, while tight packing can impede a user's ability to draw smoke through the joint. Generally, optimal tightness is as tight as possible while still allowing free passage of smoke through the joint body.

A well-packed joint that is open at the distal end will tend to shed its contents during handling. As a result, it is desirable and traditional to close a joint at the distal end. It may be noted that while a tobacco cigarette does not require distal closure, it does not create undesirable characteristics. Closure of tobacco cigarettes is merely omitted as a non-necessity.

Joint closure may be achieved by folding or forming the rolling paper over the distal end such that it is substantially closed to the environment in a manner that will prevent the joint contents from escaping. The state of the art for joint closure requires that joints be closed by hand. A person manufacturing joints will use his or her fingers to grasp an amount of excess rolling paper at the distal tip, then fold or twist the rolling paper to achieve closure. Due to the large number of joints that are produced, the closure process represents a non-trivial amount of labor for joint manufacturers.

A need exists for a device and process for joint closure that reduces the amount of labor that is required to close a joint.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to reduce the amount of labor that is required for distal closure of a cigarette or joint by providing a device and related method for folding and dimpling the distal tip of a joint through single actuation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a cigarette closure device.

FIG. 2 shows a section view of the embodiment of the cigarette closure device.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the device.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the depression mechanism.

FIG. 5 shows a section view of the depression mechanism.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of the cigarette closure operation.

DEFINITIONS

Smoking material: A combustible material filling a cigarette or joint.

Rolling paper: Paper that encases smoking material in a cigarette or joint.

Excess rolling paper: Rolling paper that extends beyond the smoking material at the distal tip of a cigarette.

Axial: Of or related to the major axis of a cylinder, cone, or any body of generally cylindrical or conical shape.

Radial: Of or related to any direction vector that resides on the plane normal to the axial direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used—to the extent possible—in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range including that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range, including that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)—(a second number),” this means a range whose limits include both numbers. For example, “25 to 100” means a range whose lower limit is 25 and upper limit is 100, and includes both 25 and 100.

The present invention is a cigarette closure device and method that will close the distal tip of a cigarette through a single actuation. To operate the device, a rolled cigarette that is open at its distal tip is held by the device, and the device is actuated to sequentially fold portions of excess distal tip rolling paper in a manner that effectively closes the cigarette distal tip to the environment. In an embodiment, the device is a handheld tool that closes the distal tip of a cigarette by pressing a plunger. In alternative embodiments, the device is semi-automated or fully automated, and the plunger is actuated through non-manual means.

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a cigarette closure device. The device is generally cylindrical, having a major axis extending downward through its length. The device comprises once or more cigarette positioners 102. The shown embodiment has two positioners: a proximal tip positioner 104 and a distal tip positioner 106. The proximal tip positioner 104 is generally concave or cup-shaped and serves to locate the proximal tip of a cigarette radially such that the proximal tip is generally concentric with the device's major axis and axially such that an axial force that is applied to the cigarette is resisted. In the embodiment, the distal tip positioner 106 is a ring that serves to locate the cigarette distal tip radially. In alternative embodiments, any number or combination of cigarette positioner features may be employed to serve the functions of locating and holding a cigarette in position for the closure operation. Cigarette positioner features in alternative embodiments may comprise clamps, receptacles, collets, or any other mechanism capable of positioning or holding a cigarette in the location and orientation necessary for distal tip closure.

FIG. 2 shows a section view of the embodiment of the cigarette closure device. The device further comprises a depression mechanism 108 having a plurality of depression features 110. The depression features comprise a plurality of shaped depressors 112 and a dimpler 114 that reside in a retracted state above the distal tip prior to operation of the device. In the embodiment, a spring mechanism 130 provides a retracting a spring force that urges the depression mechanism 108 to a retracted state, upward away from the positioners 102. In the embodiment, the spring 130 is coiled wire.

In the embodiment, the depression mechanism 108 resides within a housing 116 that is rigidly affixed to the positioners 102. The housing 116 is open at its upper end 118, and a portion of the depression mechanism 108 extends through the opening. The portion of the depression mechanism extending through the opening is a plunger 122 that is adapted to receive a depressing axial force supplied by an operator.

During actuation of the embodiment, a user will manually apply a downward or depressing force to the plunger 122 sufficient to compress the spring mechanism 116 and displace the depression mechanism toward the cigarette positioner 102. As the axial force is applied to the depression mechanism 108, the depression features 110 are urged downward into contact with the distal tip of the cigarette.

In alternative embodiments, any means for actuating and cycling the depression mechanism 108 between a retracted and depressed state may be used. Means for cycling between retracted and depressed states may include pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or electro-mechanical actuators such as cylinder-pistons, linear motors, ball-screws, belt drives, mechanical linkages, or any other actuator capable of providing the cyclical motion. In the preferred embodiment, the depression mechanism is exhibits strict axial motion due to the arrangement of concentric cylinders that provide for sliding axial motion along the major axis. In alternative embodiments, the depression mechanism may by guided by other means such as a hinge or other mechanism that provides for motion that is not strictly axial during the entire actuation path. The key element to the axial actuation is that it is generally in the direction of the cigarette major axis during the formation of the rolling paper folds and dimple.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the device. In the preferred embodiment, the housing 116 is contoured and adapted to be gripped by a user.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the depression mechanism 108. The depression mechanism has a plurality of shaped depressors 112. The depressors 112 have depression surfaces 126 that are adapted to interact with excess rolling paper to fold the excess rolling paper toward the major axis. Each shaped depressor 112 is nominally positioned above the joint. During actuation, the depressors are urged downward into contact with the joint. The shaped depressors 112 are axially staged or staggered, residing at differing heights above the positioner 102. This staggered arrangement will cause the shaped depressors to contact the joint in sequence during actuation, resulting in a sequence of folds that effectively closes the joint. In other words, a sequential fold pattern occurs in which a first shaped depressor will contact a first portion of excess rolling paper to form a first arcuate fold that closes a first portion of the distal dip of the joint, then a second depressor will contact a second portion of excess rolling paper to form a second arcuate fold that closes a second portion of the distal dip of the joint, and so on until the joint has been effectively closed. In the embodiment, three shaped depressors 112 serve to each fold a portion of the excess paper. In alternative embodiments, two, four, or more shaped depressors may serve the same function. In the preferred embodiment, shaped depressors are located at uniform angular spacing of approximately 120 degrees. In alternative embodiments, shaped depressors may have non-uniform angular spacing or angular spacing that corresponds to the number of depressors employed by a given embodiment.

The dimpler 114 portion of the depression mechanism has a dimpling surface 128 that resides at the highest height above the positioner 102, such that during actuation, the dimpling surface 128 contacts the joint after the shaped depressors 112 have completed the folding portion of the operation. Upon completion of the folding portion of the closure, the dimpler 114 depresses the center of the distal tip to form a generally flat or concave depression at the distal tip, which serves to secure the folds in a manner that will tend to retain closure, even upon handling of the finished joint product.

The shaped depressors 112 are flexible or are flexibly affixed to the depression mechanism in the radial direction such that upon forming a fold, the depressor can be urged outward away from the joint. In the embodiment, the distal positioner has grooves 120 adapted to receive the shaped depressors during actuation to cause the radial displacement of the depressors such that axial motion of a depressor is translated into radial motion by nature of the depressors' interaction with the grooves. In alternative embodiments, the radial spring rate of a depressor may be tuned to allow the joint itself to provide sufficient physical resistance to force the radial displacement of a depressor 112 after a fold is formed.

FIG. 5 shows a section view of the depression mechanism 108. In the embodiment, the depression mechanism is integrally formed, such that a single solid body comprises the shaped depressors 112 having depression surfaces 126, the dimpler 114 having a dimpling surface 128, the mechanism body 132, and the plunger 122. In alternative embodiments, the depression mechanism may be formed from individual parts that are assembled into a depression mechanism 108 assembly.

In an embodiment, the shaped depressor 112 is attached to the depression mechanism 108 by an elongate member 124 having a large length-to-thickness ratio that is adapted to form a leaf spring that is substantially rigid in the axial direction while providing spring-resistance in the radial direction. In alternative embodiments, shaped depressors may be attached to the depression mechanism by alternative means for providing substantially rigid axial positioning and displaceable radial positioning.

The depression surfaces 126 have a surface profile that is adapted to both fold excess rolling paper as well as displace the shaped depressors radially outward during and after the folding operation. In the preferred embodiment, the distal positioner 104 aids the radial displacement by incorporating grooves 120 to receive and guide the shaped depressors during closure. During closure, the shaped depressors 112 slide within the grooves 120, and it is beneficial to reduce sliding friction. Sliding friction can be modified by altering the angle of the depression surfaces with respect to the axial motion as well as through material or coating selection reduce the coefficient of friction. In the preferred embodiment, the depression mechanism is stainless steel, and therefore it is beneficial for the groove material to have a low friction coating. The angle or profile of a depression surface should be chosen that balances the surface's ability to form a fold while being sufficiently steep to cause the axial motion to be translated into radial motion. In the preferred embodiment the angle of the depression surfaces is approximately 30 degrees.

The device may be made of virtually any combination of materials that are substantially rigid including metal, plastic, thermoplastic, composite, or other suitable materials or material combinations.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of the cigarette closure method. The method comprises the following steps: 1) insert a cigarette into the cigarette positioner(s) 102; 2) actuate the depression mechanism to begin translation toward the cigarette; 3) a first shaped depressor 112 forms a first fold of excess paper at the distal tip; 4) the first shaped depressor 112 retracts radially away from the cigarette; 5) a second shaped depressor 112 forms a second fold of excess paper at the distal tip; 6) the second shaped depressor 112 retracts radially away from the cigarette; 7) a dimpler 114 depresses the center of the distal tip.

While preferred and alternate embodiments have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this CIGARETTE CLOSURE DEVICE AND METHOD. Accordingly, the scope of the CIGARETTE CLOSURE DEVICE AND METHOD is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the scope of the CIGARETTE CLOSURE DEVICE AND METHOD is to be determined entirely by reference to the claims. Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings (if any) disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and Applicant hereby reserves the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35. U.S.C. § 112 ¶6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of U.S.C. § 112 ¶6. 

We claim:
 1. A cigarette distal tip closure device comprising: a cigarette positioning feature having a major axis, said cigarette position feature being adapted to locate a cigarette in an axial direction and a radial direction; a depression mechanism comprising a first shaped depressor having a first depression surface, a second shaped depressor having a second depression surface, and a dimpler having a dimpling surface, wherein said first depression surface, said second depression surface, and said dimpling surface are located at differing positions in the axial direction; said depression surface being adapted to form an arcuate fold of paper upon an axial actuation of said depression surface toward said cigarette positioning feature; said dimpling surface being adapted to depress said arcuate fold of paper toward said cigarette positioner said cigarette positioning feature and said depression mechanism having a mechanical connection such that said depression mechanism is displaceable in the axial direction and substantially rigid in the radial direction with respect to the positioning feature.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said cigarette positioning feature and said depression mechanism mechanical connection is a slidable connection providing linear motion.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said cigarette positioning feature and said depression mechanism mechanical connection provides substantially axial motion during the formation of said arcuate fold and depression thereof.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said depression surfaces are elastically displaceable in the outward radial direction.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein a leaf spring resists said elastic displacement of said depression surfaces.
 6. The system of claim 4 wherein said cigarette positioner comprises a distal tip positioner ring.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein said cigarette positioning feature has a groove adapted for receipt of said depression surface during actuation, said groove being shaped and adapted to cause said depression surface to displace radially outward upon contact.
 8. A method for cigarette distal tip closure comprising: Inserting a cigarette into a cigarette positioning feature; actuating a depression mechanism to begin axial translation of said depression mechanism toward the cigarette distal tip; a first shaped depressor forms a first fold of excess paper at the cigarette distal tip; retract first shaped depressor radially away from the cigarette; a second shaped depressor forms a second fold of excess paper at the distal tip; retract the second shaped depressor radially away from the cigarette; and a dimpler depresses the center of the distal tip. 